The Buffalo Sabres’ rebuilding efforts just took a big step.
The Sabres acquired All-Star forward Evander Kane from the Winnipeg Jets on Wednesday as part of a blockbuster deal, according to multiple reports. The Sabres will acquire Kane and Zach Bogosian in exchange for Tyler Myers, Drew Stafford, a pair of prospects and a 2015 first-round draft pick.
The first-round pick the Jets are acquiring will be the lowest of three Buffalo holds, which means it’s still very possible the Sabres end up with the No. 1 draft pick.
Kane won’t make any immediate impact, as he recently underwent season-ending shoulder surgery. The 23-year-old still has three years and an annual salary cap hit of $5.25 million, and when he’s motivated, he can be one of the NHL’s better young forards. He had 10 goals and 12 assists in 37 games this season, but that happened as his relationship with the club deteriorated.
The Sabres will have to hope Kane can revert to his 2011-12 form. He scored 30 goals and added 27 assists that season for the Jets.
Thumbnail photo via Brace Hemmelgarn/USA TODAY Sports Images
